This coming weekend, the Saxophone Museum in Fiumicino will become a focal point for music enthusiasts as it hosts two days dedicated to celebrating the rich sounds of one of the most revered wind instruments, the saxophone. The events, scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, and Sunday, May 5th, aim to blend music, education, and jazz history in a dynamic showcase.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday at 6:30 Pm with a performance by the Jam Session band, an exceptional ensemble comprised of thirteen young musicians. This free concert is open to the public and stands as a homage to the power of music as a universal language, a cultural bridge, and a tool for social integration. Featuring a vibrant and energetic repertoire that includes some of the most celebrated pieces by Duke Ellington, Robert Johnson, Joan Tizol, Dizzy Gillespie, Walter Donaldson, Kansas J McCoy, and Herbie Hancock, the performance is...
The weekend kicks off on Saturday at 6:30 Pm with a performance by the Jam Session band, an exceptional ensemble comprised of thirteen young musicians. This free concert is open to the public and stands as a homage to the power of music as a universal language, a cultural bridge, and a tool for social integration. Featuring a vibrant and energetic repertoire that includes some of the most celebrated pieces by Duke Ellington, Robert Johnson, Joan Tizol, Dizzy Gillespie, Walter Donaldson, Kansas J McCoy, and Herbie Hancock, the performance is...
- 4/29/2024
- by Alice Lange
- Martin Cid Music
Prepare to be mesmerized by an extraordinary showcase of talent on “Great Performances” Season 51 Episode 8, titled “Now Hear This: Virtuosos,” airing on PBS at 9:00 Pm this Friday, April 19th. In this captivating episode, viewers will embark on a musical journey exploring the remarkable work of Nicolo Paganini and Robert Johnson, featuring performances by virtuosos Augustin Hadelich and Keb Mo.
From the haunting melodies of Paganini’s violin compositions to the soulful rhythms of Robert Johnson’s blues, audiences will be treated to a diverse range of musical styles and influences. With masterful performances by Hadelich and Keb Mo, viewers will witness the magic of live music as these talented artists bring these timeless works to life.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! “Now Hear This: Virtuosos” also showcases the incredible athleticism and artistry of Cirque du Soleil acrobats, adding a visual spectacle to this already mesmerizing program.
Tune...
From the haunting melodies of Paganini’s violin compositions to the soulful rhythms of Robert Johnson’s blues, audiences will be treated to a diverse range of musical styles and influences. With masterful performances by Hadelich and Keb Mo, viewers will witness the magic of live music as these talented artists bring these timeless works to life.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! “Now Hear This: Virtuosos” also showcases the incredible athleticism and artistry of Cirque du Soleil acrobats, adding a visual spectacle to this already mesmerizing program.
Tune...
- 4/12/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
There may not be a more daunting artist from the twentieth century (and beyond) to grapple with in any form than Bob Dylan. The folk music legend is regarded by many as the most influential songwriter of the last 60-plus years, and, at the age of 82, is just as relevant today as he was in his rebellious young adulthood. He pricked the nation's conscience in the early 1960s with classic protest anthems like "The Times They Are a-Changin'," "Blowin' in the Wind" and "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall," inspiring many a teenager and twentysomething to pick up an acoustic guitar and sing their truth. Then, in what his folkie colleagues/admirers took as a betrayal, he went electric. This would be the first of many confounding transformations. In a way, he kept throwing fans off the scent of the big "Who is Bob Dylan?" question by, every few years, getting...
- 3/23/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Slash has announced a new blues album, Orgy of the Damned, arriving May 17th via Gibson Records.
Like he has on previous solo albums, the Guns N’ Roses guitar legend surrounded himself with a host of fellow musical icons and guest vocalists. For example, the lead single, “Killing Floor” — streaming below — features the talents of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson on lead vocals and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler on harmonica.
The rest of the tracklist features similar star-studded collabs, with Slash and company tackling blues standards from across all eras such as Robert Johnson’s “Crossroad Blues,” Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign,” Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Man,” and more.
The list of notable singers includes Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, Dorothy, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Demi Lovato, Chris Robinson, Tash Neal, and Beth Hart.
As for the core band’s lineup, Slash reunited with...
Like he has on previous solo albums, the Guns N’ Roses guitar legend surrounded himself with a host of fellow musical icons and guest vocalists. For example, the lead single, “Killing Floor” — streaming below — features the talents of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson on lead vocals and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler on harmonica.
The rest of the tracklist features similar star-studded collabs, with Slash and company tackling blues standards from across all eras such as Robert Johnson’s “Crossroad Blues,” Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign,” Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Man,” and more.
The list of notable singers includes Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, Dorothy, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Demi Lovato, Chris Robinson, Tash Neal, and Beth Hart.
As for the core band’s lineup, Slash reunited with...
- 3/8/2024
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
Around the time Slash parted ways with Guns N’ Roses, he got deep into the blues and soul music. With a group called Slash’s Blues Ball, he reinterpreted the music of Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, and Stevie Wonder, among others, at gigs between 1996 and 1998. Now — nearly three decades later — the guitarist, who returned to Gn’R in 2016, is recommitting himself to that group’s repertoire on Orgy of the Damned, a new solo album due out May 17, which finds him trading licks with many of his famous friends.
The album,...
The album,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The idea for “Rain on the Graves” — the latest single from Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson’s upcoming solo album, The Mandrake Project, out March 1 — came to him while visiting the resting place of poet William Wordsworth. He’d been invited to a wedding in England’s Lake District in 2012, and, knowing that Wordsworth wrote a lot of his verses in Grasmere, he decided to visit his stone cottage and the church where his body was interred.
“It was a gloomy day, and there was rain,” he tells Rolling Stone...
“It was a gloomy day, and there was rain,” he tells Rolling Stone...
- 1/25/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Dickinson has shared the video for “Rain on the Graves,” the second single from his forthcoming album The Mandrake Project.
The bombastic metal track sees Dickinson employing a half-spoken word/half-song delivery that allows him to essentially narrate the lyrics, as he often has in Iron Maiden.
Dickinson co-penned the music with guitarist Roy Z, and the duo keep the guitars and organs hot in the mix, creating a gothic power-metal atmosphere that’s driven home by regal horror of director Ryan Mackfall’s video. It’s also our first look at Dickinson’s “house band from hell,” aka his solo-band ensemble.
“I had the chorus lyric in my head since I visited Grasmere for a wedding back in 2012,” said Dickinson of “Rain on the Graves,” which was inspired by blues pioneer Robert Johnson. “It wasn’t difficult years later to create the rest of the song with so...
The bombastic metal track sees Dickinson employing a half-spoken word/half-song delivery that allows him to essentially narrate the lyrics, as he often has in Iron Maiden.
Dickinson co-penned the music with guitarist Roy Z, and the duo keep the guitars and organs hot in the mix, creating a gothic power-metal atmosphere that’s driven home by regal horror of director Ryan Mackfall’s video. It’s also our first look at Dickinson’s “house band from hell,” aka his solo-band ensemble.
“I had the chorus lyric in my head since I visited Grasmere for a wedding back in 2012,” said Dickinson of “Rain on the Graves,” which was inspired by blues pioneer Robert Johnson. “It wasn’t difficult years later to create the rest of the song with so...
- 1/25/2024
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
Rockism, in case you don’t know the term, is the school of thought that holds the noisy “purity” of rock ‘n’ roll to be morally and aesthetically superior to the “corruption” of pop. There are numerous iconic examples of rockism. It was there in the postpunk ’80s hipsters who found the Replacements and Joy Division to be superior to Michael Jackson or Madonna. It was there in the rock-crit establishment of the mid-2000s mounting its collective attack on Coldplay. And it was there, just last week, in The New York Times when Jeff Tweedy, the leader of Wilco, printed an excerpt from his new book in which he apologized, in a “My name is Jeff, and I’m a rockist” sort of way, for having trashed Abba’s “Dancing Queen” in his indie youth; what he now realizes, only 47 years after it was released, is that it’s a great song.
- 11/10/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
It’s always interesting when classic rock stars admire early rock ‘n’ rollers who sound absolutely nothing like them. For example, a member of Pink Floyd is a huge fan of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes.” His admiration for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is fine, but he definitely gave the guy way too much credit.
1 Pink Floyd member said Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ changed the sound of rock
During a 2020 interview with NME, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason said Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes” was the first song he loved. He called Elvis’ song “the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll.” Mason promoted the myth Elvis invented rock ‘n’ roll when it was actually pioneered by Robert Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and other Black artists who sadly never became major pop stars.
“Elvis was moving things on slightly from Bill Haley,” Mason added. “Bill Haley was the...
1 Pink Floyd member said Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ changed the sound of rock
During a 2020 interview with NME, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason said Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes” was the first song he loved. He called Elvis’ song “the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll.” Mason promoted the myth Elvis invented rock ‘n’ roll when it was actually pioneered by Robert Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and other Black artists who sadly never became major pop stars.
“Elvis was moving things on slightly from Bill Haley,” Mason added. “Bill Haley was the...
- 9/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
To look at Ruth E. Carter’s body of work is intimidating, ranging from nearly all of Spike Lee’s directorial efforts to crafting the wardrobe for both “Black Panther” features. Now, the two-time Oscar-winner is receiving a tribute courtesy of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures this Saturday where she’ll be sitting down with the Academy’s director and President, Jacqueline Stewart, for a discussion about her illustrious career and a signing of her first book, “The Art of Ruth E. Carter.”
“It further confirms that I am supported by my peers, and that the efforts that I have made throughout my career that [are] outlined in this book are supported and celebrated by the Academy,” Carter told TheWrap. “For a young girl from Springfield who pulled herself up by her bootstraps and made it out to Los Angeles in a little Volkswagen Rabbit, and worked hard in the...
“It further confirms that I am supported by my peers, and that the efforts that I have made throughout my career that [are] outlined in this book are supported and celebrated by the Academy,” Carter told TheWrap. “For a young girl from Springfield who pulled herself up by her bootstraps and made it out to Los Angeles in a little Volkswagen Rabbit, and worked hard in the...
- 7/28/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Being the PR man was about the only job Jimmy Page didn’t have in Led Zeppelin. He and the band agreed to let the music more or less speak for itself, especially when the media said the group was all hype and no substance. Once Page gave up his hidden job in Led Zeppelin, it provided more time for his guitar playing to improve, which in turn led to more stellar songs and media praise.
Jimmy Page | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Jimmy Page’s secret job on the first 3 Led Zeppelin records? Help write the lyrics
Page made his name as a virtuoso guitarist, but he was a jack of all trades for Led Zeppelin.
He formed the band when the Yardbirds disintegrated by recruiting little-known English Midlands musicians Robert Plant and John Bonham. Adding multi-talented session ace John Paul Jones rounded out the membership. He produced and...
Jimmy Page | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Jimmy Page’s secret job on the first 3 Led Zeppelin records? Help write the lyrics
Page made his name as a virtuoso guitarist, but he was a jack of all trades for Led Zeppelin.
He formed the band when the Yardbirds disintegrated by recruiting little-known English Midlands musicians Robert Plant and John Bonham. Adding multi-talented session ace John Paul Jones rounded out the membership. He produced and...
- 5/29/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For Led Zeppelin, the music tended to be more important than the lyrics. Need proof? Only one album came with a lyric sheet. At the same time, Zep’s tunes would have been supremely boring without Robert Plant’s vocals. These are the five Led Zeppelin songs with dirty lyrics.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham (behind drum kit), and Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Robert Plant’s lyrics developed during his Led Zeppelin career
Before we get to the Zep songs with dirty lyrics, we must acknowledge how far Plant came with his writing while in the band.
He turned 20 years old soon after Led Zeppelin formed. Suddenly, he was performing with two professional musicians in Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (plus one of the greatest drummers ever in John Bonham). Before that, his only experience in working bands came in some barely notable regional groups.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham (behind drum kit), and Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Robert Plant’s lyrics developed during his Led Zeppelin career
Before we get to the Zep songs with dirty lyrics, we must acknowledge how far Plant came with his writing while in the band.
He turned 20 years old soon after Led Zeppelin formed. Suddenly, he was performing with two professional musicians in Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (plus one of the greatest drummers ever in John Bonham). Before that, his only experience in working bands came in some barely notable regional groups.
- 5/27/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Prince William has long been seen by the public as one of the royal family’s biggest faces. William and his wife of 12 years, Kate Middleton, have been stars of the royal family since they tied the knot back in 2011. And for a long time, the two were viewed as respectable and well-loved by everyone around them.
While that still might ring true for Kate, a new book suggests William isn’t the laid-back guy he makes himself out to be in public. In fact, one royal staffer labeled the prince as “short tempered” and “difficult.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William | Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty Images Prince William has always presented himself in a laid-back way
Prince William, who recently received the title Prince of Wales after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, died in 2022, has long presented himself as fun and relatable. He’s often seen greeting the public with...
While that still might ring true for Kate, a new book suggests William isn’t the laid-back guy he makes himself out to be in public. In fact, one royal staffer labeled the prince as “short tempered” and “difficult.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William | Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty Images Prince William has always presented himself in a laid-back way
Prince William, who recently received the title Prince of Wales after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, died in 2022, has long presented himself as fun and relatable. He’s often seen greeting the public with...
- 4/24/2023
- by Julia Mullaney
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Bob Dylan is widely regarded as one of the best songwriters of all time, his singing voice is a bit more controversial, though Mick Jagger likes it. When discussing Dylan with a reporter, The Rolling Stones’ Jagger had to defend the American musician. While Jagger admitted that Dylan might not be one of the best singers of all time, he said that his voice had a distinct feel to it.
Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger | KMazur/WireImage Mick Jagger has complimented Bob Dylan in the past
Jagger said that he first began listening to Dylan in the early 1960s, when Dylan was still a protest singer.
“I was playing Bob Dylan records at my parents’ house when he was still an acoustic folk singer, but he was already very important and his lyrics were on point,” he told The Guardian. “The delivery isn’t just the words, it’s...
Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger | KMazur/WireImage Mick Jagger has complimented Bob Dylan in the past
Jagger said that he first began listening to Dylan in the early 1960s, when Dylan was still a protest singer.
“I was playing Bob Dylan records at my parents’ house when he was still an acoustic folk singer, but he was already very important and his lyrics were on point,” he told The Guardian. “The delivery isn’t just the words, it’s...
- 4/19/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Group Black, a Black-owned, Miami-based media company, has expressed interest in buying a majority share in BET Media Group, the New York Times reported on Friday.
The company was founded in 2021 by Travis Montaque, Richelieu Dennis and Bonin Bough and recently put in a bid of $400 million for Vice Media. According to the Times, Group Black is teaming up with Cvc Capital Partners, a private-equity firm based in Luxembourg, as well as prominent Black business people and artists for the BET deal.
As TheWrap reported on Monday, Tyler Perry and Byron Allen are also interested in buying BET from Paramount Global, although talks are still in the early stages, and Paramount may decide not to sell ownership of BET Media Group, which includes VH1.
Also Read:
Paramount Global Explores Sale of BET Media Group Majority Stake
BET was launched in 1980 by founder Robert Johnson as a channel specifically catered to African-American audiences.
The company was founded in 2021 by Travis Montaque, Richelieu Dennis and Bonin Bough and recently put in a bid of $400 million for Vice Media. According to the Times, Group Black is teaming up with Cvc Capital Partners, a private-equity firm based in Luxembourg, as well as prominent Black business people and artists for the BET deal.
As TheWrap reported on Monday, Tyler Perry and Byron Allen are also interested in buying BET from Paramount Global, although talks are still in the early stages, and Paramount may decide not to sell ownership of BET Media Group, which includes VH1.
Also Read:
Paramount Global Explores Sale of BET Media Group Majority Stake
BET was launched in 1980 by founder Robert Johnson as a channel specifically catered to African-American audiences.
- 3/11/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
On the JoBlo Movies YouTube channel, we will be posting one full movie every other day throughout the week, giving viewers the chance to watch them entirely free of charge. The Free Movie of the Day we have for you today is the action comedy Ace of Hearts, starring Dean Cain. You can watch it over on the YouTube channel linked above, or you can just watch it in the embed at the top of this article.
Directed by David Mackay from a screenplay by Frederick Ayeroff, Ace of Hearts has the following synopsis: A police officer tries to save his beloved partner, a German shepherd, from being put to sleep. Ace is wrongly accused of mauling a suspect, and his 13-year-old daughter steps in to prove the dog’s innocence.
Cain is joined in the cast by Britt McKillip, Mike Dopud, Anne Marie DeLuise, David Patrick Green, Burkely Duffield,...
Directed by David Mackay from a screenplay by Frederick Ayeroff, Ace of Hearts has the following synopsis: A police officer tries to save his beloved partner, a German shepherd, from being put to sleep. Ace is wrongly accused of mauling a suspect, and his 13-year-old daughter steps in to prove the dog’s innocence.
Cain is joined in the cast by Britt McKillip, Mike Dopud, Anne Marie DeLuise, David Patrick Green, Burkely Duffield,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Updated with Byron Allen interest: Byron Allen said he wants to buy BET as Paramount Global is looking at sale of the asset. He is the second suitor after Tyler Perry, who also is said to have expressed interest.
“Byron Allen is interested in buying BET, and he will be pursuing the acquisition of the network,” a spokesman for the Allen Media Group said in a statement.
Previously: Tyler Perry is eyeing BET Media as parent Paramount Global explores a sale of a majority stake in the division.
Related Story As Box Office Revenue Starts To Return, Billions Hang In The Balance As Studios Juggle Streaming With Traditional Sell-Thru And Rental Market Related Story Paramount To Pay $122.5M To Settle 2019 Shareholder Lawsuit Over Viacom-CBS Merger Related Story NAACP Image Awards Audience Grows By 72% As Ceremony Returns To CBS
Perry, who has a strong relationship with BET CEO Scott Mills...
“Byron Allen is interested in buying BET, and he will be pursuing the acquisition of the network,” a spokesman for the Allen Media Group said in a statement.
Previously: Tyler Perry is eyeing BET Media as parent Paramount Global explores a sale of a majority stake in the division.
Related Story As Box Office Revenue Starts To Return, Billions Hang In The Balance As Studios Juggle Streaming With Traditional Sell-Thru And Rental Market Related Story Paramount To Pay $122.5M To Settle 2019 Shareholder Lawsuit Over Viacom-CBS Merger Related Story NAACP Image Awards Audience Grows By 72% As Ceremony Returns To CBS
Perry, who has a strong relationship with BET CEO Scott Mills...
- 3/6/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global is exploring a sale of its majority stake in BET Media Group as part of an effort to generate cash to strengthen its flagship Paramount+ streaming service.
A source familiar with the matter emphasized to TheWrap that there is no guarantee the move will end in a transaction.
While the move is still in the early stages, and the source said Paramount has not entered negotiations on a sale, the studio does expect substantial interest among Black high net-worth individuals and minority-owned institutions as potential buyers given BET’s status as a brand and business within the Black community. If a deal does end up happening, the source said that Paramount would expect to maintain a minority stake as well as a commercial relationship in the business.
At least two potential suitors quickly surfaced Monday in Tyler Perry and Byron Allen. A separate source told TheWrap that Perry...
A source familiar with the matter emphasized to TheWrap that there is no guarantee the move will end in a transaction.
While the move is still in the early stages, and the source said Paramount has not entered negotiations on a sale, the studio does expect substantial interest among Black high net-worth individuals and minority-owned institutions as potential buyers given BET’s status as a brand and business within the Black community. If a deal does end up happening, the source said that Paramount would expect to maintain a minority stake as well as a commercial relationship in the business.
At least two potential suitors quickly surfaced Monday in Tyler Perry and Byron Allen. A separate source told TheWrap that Perry...
- 3/6/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Paramount is exploring a potential sale of a majority stake in its BET business, which includes BET, VH1 and the BET+ streaming service, a source familiar with the matter tells The Hollywood Reporter.
A second source tells THR that Tyler Perry, a longtime partner of BET, is engaged in conversations to buy the stake. Perry’s deal with Paramount, which began in 2017, is said to be coming up, and the BET purchase, if it happens, would give him ownership of the brand that airs many of his shows.
The sources both cautioned that discussions around the sale are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee of any transaction taking place. Other parties are also said to have expressed an interest in the BET businesses.
They added that if a deal closes, Paramount expects to maintain a minority stake in the business, as well as a commercial relationship.
A second source tells THR that Tyler Perry, a longtime partner of BET, is engaged in conversations to buy the stake. Perry’s deal with Paramount, which began in 2017, is said to be coming up, and the BET purchase, if it happens, would give him ownership of the brand that airs many of his shows.
The sources both cautioned that discussions around the sale are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee of any transaction taking place. Other parties are also said to have expressed an interest in the BET businesses.
They added that if a deal closes, Paramount expects to maintain a minority stake in the business, as well as a commercial relationship.
- 3/6/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new Robert Johnson biography and a box set of previously unheard field recordings are among the first releases the Smithsonian and Folkways are planning from the collection of storied folklorist Robert “Mack” McCormick.
The Johnson book — Biography of a Phantom — will be released on April 4, with the new box set titled Playing for the Man at the Door out August 4. The National Museum of American History will also start exhibiting items from McCormick’s collection on June 23, with the display running for two years. More releases and events centered...
The Johnson book — Biography of a Phantom — will be released on April 4, with the new box set titled Playing for the Man at the Door out August 4. The National Museum of American History will also start exhibiting items from McCormick’s collection on June 23, with the display running for two years. More releases and events centered...
- 2/22/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
There’s a lyric in “Hi, Hi, Hi” that Paul McCartney admits is “cheeky.” The BBC banned the song for a different reason than the bold line. The former Beatle didn’t care either way.
Paul McCartney | Gijsbert Hanekroot/Getty Images The BBC banned ‘Hi, Hi, Hi,’ because they thought Paul McCartney was talking about sex
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that the absurdist and dramatist Alfred Jarry “figures” in a couple of his songs. Paul called Jarry a playful character. The Beatle first came across the dramatist in a radio production of his play Ubu Cocu, the sequel to the well-known Ubu Roi, around the time The Beatles were making Sgt. Pepper.
One of the main characters in Ubu Cocu is called Achras. He is a breeder of “polyhedra.” That’s why Paul used the term “polygon” in “Hi, Hi, Hi.” The BBC didn’t understand...
Paul McCartney | Gijsbert Hanekroot/Getty Images The BBC banned ‘Hi, Hi, Hi,’ because they thought Paul McCartney was talking about sex
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that the absurdist and dramatist Alfred Jarry “figures” in a couple of his songs. Paul called Jarry a playful character. The Beatle first came across the dramatist in a radio production of his play Ubu Cocu, the sequel to the well-known Ubu Roi, around the time The Beatles were making Sgt. Pepper.
One of the main characters in Ubu Cocu is called Achras. He is a breeder of “polyhedra.” That’s why Paul used the term “polygon” in “Hi, Hi, Hi.” The BBC didn’t understand...
- 2/18/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Washington, Dec 21 (Ians) Lina Khan-led US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) grilled Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a hearing about the company’s acquisition of virtual reality (VR) company called Within that owns the popular fitness app ‘Supernatural’.
Zuckerberg told FTC authorities during the hearing that fitness is not his priority in the VR space and he would rather focus on social, gaming and productivity use cases, reports TechCrunch.
In July, the FTC had sued Meta in an attempt to block the deal, saying it was an anti-competitive move.
Meta is currently losing billions of dollars per quarter on its VR projects.
“Instead of competing on the merits, Meta is trying to buy its way to the top,” according to John Newman, Deputy Director, FTC Bureau of Competition.
“Meta already owns a best-selling virtual reality fitness app, and it had the capabilities to compete even more closely with Within’s popular Supernatural app.
Zuckerberg told FTC authorities during the hearing that fitness is not his priority in the VR space and he would rather focus on social, gaming and productivity use cases, reports TechCrunch.
In July, the FTC had sued Meta in an attempt to block the deal, saying it was an anti-competitive move.
Meta is currently losing billions of dollars per quarter on its VR projects.
“Instead of competing on the merits, Meta is trying to buy its way to the top,” according to John Newman, Deputy Director, FTC Bureau of Competition.
“Meta already owns a best-selling virtual reality fitness app, and it had the capabilities to compete even more closely with Within’s popular Supernatural app.
- 12/21/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is one of the best animated shows of all time. When I said this back in 2008, it may have been a statement that my middle school peers pretty much universally agreed on, but it wasn't exactly a mainstream notion among grown-up tastemakers. But in the years since the kids' show has gone off the air, praise for its mature and empathetic worldview, unique mythology, and delightful animation and voice cast has only continued to grow exponentially. By the time the series hit streaming in 2020, it felt like "Avatar: The Last Airbender" was becoming the phenomenon it was always meant to be, and it was no surprise when news of a whole host of new projects from Avatar Studios soon followed.
For a fan who grew up alongside Aang, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, and Toph, it's easy to forget that the series wasn't always a part of the...
For a fan who grew up alongside Aang, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, and Toph, it's easy to forget that the series wasn't always a part of the...
- 11/21/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
(Welcome to My Most Ridiculous Note, a series of interviews in which animators talk about the weirdest and funniest notes they received from studio executives.)
Well folks, this is a special occasion. For a while now, we've been publishing interviews with animators who worked on some of the most beloved cartoons of the '90s and '00s, exploring what went into making those stories stand apart from their contemporaries, from the Christmas episode of "Hey Arnold" to the classic "Nosferatu" joke in "SpongeBob SquarePants."
We've also explored the bizarre, over-the-top notes that studio executives, as well as Standards & Practices folks, have given to animators. There have been stories of ridiculous notes, sensible ones, and everything in between, but this interview series has (understandably so) focused on the side of the animators who try to get their work out and are met with some roadblocks. This time around, however, we're...
Well folks, this is a special occasion. For a while now, we've been publishing interviews with animators who worked on some of the most beloved cartoons of the '90s and '00s, exploring what went into making those stories stand apart from their contemporaries, from the Christmas episode of "Hey Arnold" to the classic "Nosferatu" joke in "SpongeBob SquarePants."
We've also explored the bizarre, over-the-top notes that studio executives, as well as Standards & Practices folks, have given to animators. There have been stories of ridiculous notes, sensible ones, and everything in between, but this interview series has (understandably so) focused on the side of the animators who try to get their work out and are met with some roadblocks. This time around, however, we're...
- 11/21/2022
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
A trove of sound recordings, manuscripts, photographs, and ephemera from the blues and folklore archive of Robert “Mack” McCormick will get a new home at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History.
McCormick’s daughter, Susannah Nix, gifted the archive to the Smithsonian, which plans to start making it available to scholars — and displaying some of its items at the Archive Center — in the summer of 2023. Smithsonian Books, as well as the celebrated label Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, will also be releasing projects based on the material in the archives next year.
McCormick’s daughter, Susannah Nix, gifted the archive to the Smithsonian, which plans to start making it available to scholars — and displaying some of its items at the Archive Center — in the summer of 2023. Smithsonian Books, as well as the celebrated label Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, will also be releasing projects based on the material in the archives next year.
- 11/17/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “SpongeBob” movies will receive wide releases in 2025.
The untitled “SpongeBob” film from Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation will hit theaters on May 23, 2025.
The “Animated Aang Avatar” film, which also remains untitled, comes out Oct. 10 of that year. A joint production from Nickelodeon Animation, Paramount Animation and Avatar Studios, it’s set to be Avatar Studios’ first film and the first of three feature-length “Avatar” films. According to the studio, the first chapter will focus on Avatar Aang and his friends.
In July, it was announced that Lauren Montgomery, whose credits include “Voltron: Legendary Defender,” “The Legend of Korra,” and Nickelodeon’s original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” TV show, will direct. Producers are Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dimartino, and Eric Coleman.
Also Read:
‘The Last Airbender’ Franchise to Expand With 3 New Animated ‘Avatar’ Movies in the Works at Paramount and Nickelodeon
Latifa Ouaou, EVP of...
The untitled “SpongeBob” film from Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation will hit theaters on May 23, 2025.
The “Animated Aang Avatar” film, which also remains untitled, comes out Oct. 10 of that year. A joint production from Nickelodeon Animation, Paramount Animation and Avatar Studios, it’s set to be Avatar Studios’ first film and the first of three feature-length “Avatar” films. According to the studio, the first chapter will focus on Avatar Aang and his friends.
In July, it was announced that Lauren Montgomery, whose credits include “Voltron: Legendary Defender,” “The Legend of Korra,” and Nickelodeon’s original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” TV show, will direct. Producers are Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dimartino, and Eric Coleman.
Also Read:
‘The Last Airbender’ Franchise to Expand With 3 New Animated ‘Avatar’ Movies in the Works at Paramount and Nickelodeon
Latifa Ouaou, EVP of...
- 11/10/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Paramount has announced 2025 release dates for upcoming animated movies about “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
The untitled “SpongeBob” movie has a May 23, 2025, release date and is produced by Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation.
The untitled “Avatar: The Last Airbender” movie is coming Oct. 10, 2025, and is produced by Nickelodeon Animation, Paramount Animation and Avatar Studios. Both are getting wide releases.
Fans of the Nickelodeon series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” — not to be confused with James Cameron’s blue N’avi “Avatar” movies — have been patiently waiting for a big-screen adaptation ever since the formation of Avatar Studios was announced in 2021. Series creators Michael Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko, who stepped away from Netflix’s upcoming live-action “Avatar” adaptation, created the animation studio to expand the worlds of the main series and its sequel “The Legend of Korra.”
In June, it was revealed that not one, but three standalone “Avatar” films...
The untitled “SpongeBob” movie has a May 23, 2025, release date and is produced by Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation.
The untitled “Avatar: The Last Airbender” movie is coming Oct. 10, 2025, and is produced by Nickelodeon Animation, Paramount Animation and Avatar Studios. Both are getting wide releases.
Fans of the Nickelodeon series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” — not to be confused with James Cameron’s blue N’avi “Avatar” movies — have been patiently waiting for a big-screen adaptation ever since the formation of Avatar Studios was announced in 2021. Series creators Michael Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko, who stepped away from Netflix’s upcoming live-action “Avatar” adaptation, created the animation studio to expand the worlds of the main series and its sequel “The Legend of Korra.”
In June, it was revealed that not one, but three standalone “Avatar” films...
- 11/10/2022
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) and Lochlyn Munro (Riverdale) have signed on to star alongside Zhang Jingchu, Michelle Krusiec and more in Impossible Dream Entertainment’s comedy Tiger Mom, which has entered production in Vancouver.
Zhang leads the U.S. & China co-produced film as Marilyn Khu, a first-generation Chinese-American mother who, unable to control her teenage children, enrolls them in a prestigious disciplinary school called Tiger Academy — run by the no-nonsense Suki Lai (Krusiec) —which is capable of whipping them into Ivy League shape. While Jeong will play Jimmy Khu, a work obsessed husband and father whose parenting style is decidedly out of touch, details as to Munro’s role haven’t been disclosed. Additional cast members set include Alexa Loo (Chad), William Budijanto (Resident Alien), Chloe Pun (Kung Fu), Neil Garguilo (Bloodsucking Bastards) and Nathalie Boltt (District 9).
Impossible Dream Entertainment has teamed for Tiger Mom with Storyoscopic Films,...
Zhang leads the U.S. & China co-produced film as Marilyn Khu, a first-generation Chinese-American mother who, unable to control her teenage children, enrolls them in a prestigious disciplinary school called Tiger Academy — run by the no-nonsense Suki Lai (Krusiec) —which is capable of whipping them into Ivy League shape. While Jeong will play Jimmy Khu, a work obsessed husband and father whose parenting style is decidedly out of touch, details as to Munro’s role haven’t been disclosed. Additional cast members set include Alexa Loo (Chad), William Budijanto (Resident Alien), Chloe Pun (Kung Fu), Neil Garguilo (Bloodsucking Bastards) and Nathalie Boltt (District 9).
Impossible Dream Entertainment has teamed for Tiger Mom with Storyoscopic Films,...
- 10/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2022 reboot of the cult classic "Hellraiser" franchise, the bizarre erotic nightmare horror from the mind of Clive Barker, is streaming on Hulu. The film joins the long line of "Hellraiser" films (of drastically varying quality) with a brand new Pinhead brought to hellish life by Jamie Clayton. The world of "Hellraiser" is filled with all sorts of horrors and dark delights, mind-bending sights that will "tear your soul apart." Anyone who gets their hands on the franchise's infamous puzzle box and manages to solve it is in for a world of hurt at the hands of Pinhead and their sadomasochistic companions.
From people being flayed alive to the living dead crawling up from under the floorboards, to all sorts of stomach-churning supernatural body modifications, it's difficult to pin down (pun intended) which moments from the "Hellraiser" universe are the most gruesome and horrible. In a series that's all about...
From people being flayed alive to the living dead crawling up from under the floorboards, to all sorts of stomach-churning supernatural body modifications, it's difficult to pin down (pun intended) which moments from the "Hellraiser" universe are the most gruesome and horrible. In a series that's all about...
- 10/11/2022
- by Addison Peacock
- Slash Film
Barney was everywhere when I was growing up. But despite than the purple dinosaur’s simple message of love and understanding, the thing I remember the most was how much everyone over the age of ten seemed to hate Barney. It went beyond that at times, some people just seemed to straight-up loathe the character. Peacock has released a trailer for I Love You, You Hate Me, a two-part documentary that chronicles the rise and fall of the furious backlash towards Barney and what it says about the human need to hate.
Barney & Friends was created by Sheryl Leach and premiered on PBS in 1992 and came to an end in 2010, and while I was aware of the backlash against the show, the documentary trailer proves I didn’t know the half of it. Bob West, who initially voiced the character, reveals in the trailer that he actually received death...
Barney & Friends was created by Sheryl Leach and premiered on PBS in 1992 and came to an end in 2010, and while I was aware of the backlash against the show, the documentary trailer proves I didn’t know the half of it. Bob West, who initially voiced the character, reveals in the trailer that he actually received death...
- 10/1/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Image Source: Everett Collection
TV phenomenon "Barney & Friends" is the subject of a forthcoming docuseries that breaks down how the beloved children's show became a target for hate. "I Love You, You Hate Me," a two-part event from Peacock directed by Tommy Avallone, highlights the astronomical rise of Barney in the early '90s, as well as the friendly purple dinosaur's terrible treatment from furious public backlash.
In the trailer for "I Love You, You Hate Me," talking heads like Bill Nye the Science Guy, NBC's Al Roker, and others share stories about how the world turned on Barney's positive messages of love, acceptance, and inclusion - all of which stemmed from creator Sheryl Leach - before the clip begs the question: "Why does the world love to hate?" "As her beloved character was heading into the stratosphere, people couldn't accept that this was just a show," Roker says.
TV phenomenon "Barney & Friends" is the subject of a forthcoming docuseries that breaks down how the beloved children's show became a target for hate. "I Love You, You Hate Me," a two-part event from Peacock directed by Tommy Avallone, highlights the astronomical rise of Barney in the early '90s, as well as the friendly purple dinosaur's terrible treatment from furious public backlash.
In the trailer for "I Love You, You Hate Me," talking heads like Bill Nye the Science Guy, NBC's Al Roker, and others share stories about how the world turned on Barney's positive messages of love, acceptance, and inclusion - all of which stemmed from creator Sheryl Leach - before the clip begs the question: "Why does the world love to hate?" "As her beloved character was heading into the stratosphere, people couldn't accept that this was just a show," Roker says.
- 9/29/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
The core message of the immensely popular “Barney and Friends” kids show was to spread love and kindness to one another, but the trailer for a new Peacock docuseries highlights the idea that America was not so eager to accept that message.
In the trailer for the upcoming two-part docuseries “I Love You, You Hate Me,” multiple talking heads, from Bill Nye the Science Guy to NBC’s Al Roker, share stories of how quickly the world turned against the friendly dinosaur, rejecting its values of inclusion and respect. Bob West, a Barney performer who stepped into costume for the happy purple dinosaur, shared that death threats were made against his entire family. “They were violent and explicit, death and dismemberment of my family,” he says in the trailer. “They were gonna come and find me, and they were going to kill me.”
Much of the dialogue in the trailer surrounds the show’s creator,...
In the trailer for the upcoming two-part docuseries “I Love You, You Hate Me,” multiple talking heads, from Bill Nye the Science Guy to NBC’s Al Roker, share stories of how quickly the world turned against the friendly dinosaur, rejecting its values of inclusion and respect. Bob West, a Barney performer who stepped into costume for the happy purple dinosaur, shared that death threats were made against his entire family. “They were violent and explicit, death and dismemberment of my family,” he says in the trailer. “They were gonna come and find me, and they were going to kill me.”
Much of the dialogue in the trailer surrounds the show’s creator,...
- 9/28/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Madison Pettis all got their start on Barney and Friends. But the show and its creators got to witness a much darker side of the “I love you”-singing dinosaur, thanks to those who spewed hate for the beloved character, as a new docuseries addresses. I Love You, You Hate Me — which covers the rumor mill, threats, and disdain the dinosaur character faced — shared its trailer on Wednesday.
The trailer features interviews with actors who portrayed the purple dinosaur, including Bob West, along with other...
The trailer features interviews with actors who portrayed the purple dinosaur, including Bob West, along with other...
- 9/28/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Far removed from music-industry cities like Los Angeles and Nashville, the seeds of American music were sown in Mississippi soil, where the pioneers of blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll followed dusty roads through forests and flatlands to perform for locals.
Today, visitors from across the U.S. and abroad follow the Mississippi Blues Trail and Country Music Trail into the same communities to learn about the land that birthed Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Muddy Waters, and Jimmie Rodgers and experience the roots of contemporary American music culture.
Before you...
Today, visitors from across the U.S. and abroad follow the Mississippi Blues Trail and Country Music Trail into the same communities to learn about the land that birthed Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Muddy Waters, and Jimmie Rodgers and experience the roots of contemporary American music culture.
Before you...
- 8/1/2022
- by Jim Beaugez
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount and Nickelodeon have three animated Avatar films are in the works. Last month, Lauren Montgomery (Avatar: The Last Airbender) was announced as director on the untitled first installment. And today at Comic-Con, there was more news about the first film at the panel for Avatar: Braving the Elements, the rewatch podcast hosted by the franchise’s voice actors Janet Varney (Korra in The Legend of Korra) and Dante Basco (Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender). Varney, who was not there in person, made the announcement via a video that was played in the room.
“The first feature length movie from Avatar Studios will be focusing on Avatar Aang and his friends, and I for one cannot wait!,” she said, holding a copy of the novel Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi, (you can watch the full video below)
Aang, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen, was the main character in...
“The first feature length movie from Avatar Studios will be focusing on Avatar Aang and his friends, and I for one cannot wait!,” she said, holding a copy of the novel Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi, (you can watch the full video below)
Aang, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen, was the main character in...
- 7/23/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The revolting children are singing up a storm in the first teaser for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (premiering this holiday season).
Alisha Weir (Darklands) stars as the titular Matilda Wormwood, “an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results,” per the official synopsis. The cast also includes Emma Thompson (Years and Years) as awful school headmistress Miss Trunchbull; Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel) as Matilda’s kind teacher Miss Honey; and Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire) and Andrea Riseborough (Waco, Bloodline) as Matilda’s uncaring parents.
Alisha Weir (Darklands) stars as the titular Matilda Wormwood, “an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results,” per the official synopsis. The cast also includes Emma Thompson (Years and Years) as awful school headmistress Miss Trunchbull; Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel) as Matilda’s kind teacher Miss Honey; and Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire) and Andrea Riseborough (Waco, Bloodline) as Matilda’s uncaring parents.
- 6/15/2022
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Click here to read the full article.
Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon are planning three films based in the world of the popular series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Lauren Montgomery is attached to direct the first of the three films in development, which is currently untitled. All three films are planned as theatrical releases.
Avatar co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dimartino will produce the untitled feature, along with longtime producing partner Eric Coleman. The movie will be produced under Avatar Studios, which was formed in 2021 under Nickelodeon as a division designed to produce content spanning series and movies based on the worlds of Avatar and subsequent series The Legend of Korra.
Avatar: The Last Airbender ran from 2005 to 2008 and was set in a world of warring nation-states where people, known as “benders”, can manipulate the four elements of earth, fire, wind, and water. The series has received the Peabody Award, a Primetime Emmy,...
Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon are planning three films based in the world of the popular series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Lauren Montgomery is attached to direct the first of the three films in development, which is currently untitled. All three films are planned as theatrical releases.
Avatar co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dimartino will produce the untitled feature, along with longtime producing partner Eric Coleman. The movie will be produced under Avatar Studios, which was formed in 2021 under Nickelodeon as a division designed to produce content spanning series and movies based on the worlds of Avatar and subsequent series The Legend of Korra.
Avatar: The Last Airbender ran from 2005 to 2008 and was set in a world of warring nation-states where people, known as “benders”, can manipulate the four elements of earth, fire, wind, and water. The series has received the Peabody Award, a Primetime Emmy,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Three animated “Avatar” movies — no, not the ones about the Na’vi — are in the works at Paramount and Nickelodeon.
The upcoming films are based on “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the anime-influenced TV series about a boy who can manipulate water, earth, fire and air. The popular animated show aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008 and inspired a spinoff, titled “Legend of Korra,” as well as an upcoming live-action show on Netflix.
Paramount, who made the announcement at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, did not share plot details about the forthcoming trilogy.
Lauren Montgomery, who worked on “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” is directing the still-untitled film, which already has two sequels in the works. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dimartino will produce the “Avatar” movies with Eric Coleman.
The films are in development under the company’s Avatar Studios banner, which was formed in February 2021. The division...
The upcoming films are based on “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the anime-influenced TV series about a boy who can manipulate water, earth, fire and air. The popular animated show aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008 and inspired a spinoff, titled “Legend of Korra,” as well as an upcoming live-action show on Netflix.
Paramount, who made the announcement at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, did not share plot details about the forthcoming trilogy.
Lauren Montgomery, who worked on “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” is directing the still-untitled film, which already has two sequels in the works. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dimartino will produce the “Avatar” movies with Eric Coleman.
The films are in development under the company’s Avatar Studios banner, which was formed in February 2021. The division...
- 6/15/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The last airbender is coming to the big screen. Three animated movies are currently in development about “Avatar” at Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation that will be based on the worlds of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “The Legend of Korra.”
The first of the three movies, which is still untitled, will be directed by Lauren Montgomery, who worked on “The Last Airbender” and “Voltron: Legendary Defender.” No plot details were unveiled for the movies, but the films will be intended for theatrical release.
The movies will be produced under the Avatar Studios banner, which was announced in February 2021 from Paramount and Nickelodeon. Producing the movies are Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dimartino, and Eric Coleman.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender”/Nickelodeon Also Read:
‘The Smurfs’ Animated Musical Sets ‘Puss in Boots’ Filmmaker Chris Miller to Direct
“As original creators Mike and Bryan expand the Avatar universe with us, we’re keeping it...
The first of the three movies, which is still untitled, will be directed by Lauren Montgomery, who worked on “The Last Airbender” and “Voltron: Legendary Defender.” No plot details were unveiled for the movies, but the films will be intended for theatrical release.
The movies will be produced under the Avatar Studios banner, which was announced in February 2021 from Paramount and Nickelodeon. Producing the movies are Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dimartino, and Eric Coleman.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender”/Nickelodeon Also Read:
‘The Smurfs’ Animated Musical Sets ‘Puss in Boots’ Filmmaker Chris Miller to Direct
“As original creators Mike and Bryan expand the Avatar universe with us, we’re keeping it...
- 6/15/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Kung Fu movies can sometimes get a bit of a bad reputation. Bad VHS copies, poor dubbing etc. have created a legacy that can be hard to shift. Outside of the principle names, it can be hard to recognize them seriously but amidst all the schlock there were some pretty good movies that emerged from the golden era and are slowly getting re-released for a new audience to discover. Joseph Kuo created a whole series of lower budget spectacles in Taiwan during the 70’s that deserve a spot of re-evaluation. “7 Grandmasters” is one such production.
on Amazon
Sang Kuan Chun (Jack Long) a grandmaster of the Bai Mei style is almost ready to retire from the martial world. Before he does so, he seeks to challenge 7 other masters in order to fulfil his legacy. As he commences his journey with his daughter Ming Chu (Nancy Yen) and three students,...
on Amazon
Sang Kuan Chun (Jack Long) a grandmaster of the Bai Mei style is almost ready to retire from the martial world. Before he does so, he seeks to challenge 7 other masters in order to fulfil his legacy. As he commences his journey with his daughter Ming Chu (Nancy Yen) and three students,...
- 11/28/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Stars: Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson, John Liu, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Linnea Quigley, Ginger Lynn, Cynthia Rothrock, Michael Berryman | Directed by John Liu, Kurtis Spieler
The story behind New York Ninja is almost as incredible as the film itself. In 1984 Taiwanese martial artist and actor John Liu came to New York City with the intention of filming his latest movie there. While he did shoot it, he was so unimpressed by the results he abandoned the project and left the unedited footage in a vault and retired from filmmaking. An there it sat for thirty-five years later the footage came into the hands of film restoration specialists Vinegar Syndrome. They had the technology, they could rebuild it, all except for one critical element. The film’s soundtrack was missing, as was the script.
So they wrote a new one, not a spoof but authentic-sounding 80s style dialogue. And they hired a...
The story behind New York Ninja is almost as incredible as the film itself. In 1984 Taiwanese martial artist and actor John Liu came to New York City with the intention of filming his latest movie there. While he did shoot it, he was so unimpressed by the results he abandoned the project and left the unedited footage in a vault and retired from filmmaking. An there it sat for thirty-five years later the footage came into the hands of film restoration specialists Vinegar Syndrome. They had the technology, they could rebuild it, all except for one critical element. The film’s soundtrack was missing, as was the script.
So they wrote a new one, not a spoof but authentic-sounding 80s style dialogue. And they hired a...
- 11/9/2021
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Stars: Tak Sakaguchi, Kento Yamazaki, Masaaki Takarai, Akihiko Sai | Written by Sion Sono | Directed by Yuji Shimomura
When I was a kid I thought all martial arts movies were fight after fight after fight. We didn’t get many martial arts movies on TV in those days but there were plenty of shows like The Incredibly Strange Film Show, which featured clips from some of the wildest kung-fu flicks out there. It wasn’t until a few years later and I had started renting VHS tapes from my local video shop that I found out that Was true! Ok, Ok, so I now know it’s not true – many martial arts films have real plots, tell real stories, with character arcs and everything… but, you see, it seems I’d spent my youth renting a myriad of Godfrey Ho’s stitched-together ninja movies and multiple badly-edited, badly-dubbed movies on tape...
When I was a kid I thought all martial arts movies were fight after fight after fight. We didn’t get many martial arts movies on TV in those days but there were plenty of shows like The Incredibly Strange Film Show, which featured clips from some of the wildest kung-fu flicks out there. It wasn’t until a few years later and I had started renting VHS tapes from my local video shop that I found out that Was true! Ok, Ok, so I now know it’s not true – many martial arts films have real plots, tell real stories, with character arcs and everything… but, you see, it seems I’d spent my youth renting a myriad of Godfrey Ho’s stitched-together ninja movies and multiple badly-edited, badly-dubbed movies on tape...
- 3/2/2021
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The 1990’s found Hong Kong cinema exploding into the minds and hearts of cinema lovers across the world. “Heroic Bloodshed” had become a genre in itself, The “Girls with Guns” wave lead by Michelle Yeoh was proving popular and category III with an increase in sexually explicit content was also finding a profitable market. So naturally, in the commercial mindset of the industry, someone was meant to combine the three. That man was Godfrey Ho and the film was “Lethal Panther”
Betty Lee (Sibelle Hui) is an agent trying to bring down a counterfeiting ring. After finding out the boss, she is caught in the crossfire, as two assassins take him out. She duels with Eileen (Maria Jo) as Amy (Miyamoto Yoko) finishes the job. It transpires his subordinate Bill Wong (Lawrence Ng) was the instigator and carnage erupts, as he seeks to clean up after himself.
Betty Lee (Sibelle Hui) is an agent trying to bring down a counterfeiting ring. After finding out the boss, she is caught in the crossfire, as two assassins take him out. She duels with Eileen (Maria Jo) as Amy (Miyamoto Yoko) finishes the job. It transpires his subordinate Bill Wong (Lawrence Ng) was the instigator and carnage erupts, as he seeks to clean up after himself.
- 10/15/2020
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Stars: Tak Sakaguchi, Kento Yamazaki, Masaaki Takarai, Akihiko Sai | Written by Sion Sono | Directed by Yuji Shimomura
When I was a kid I thought all martial arts movies were fight after fight after fight. We didn’t get many martial arts movies on TV in those days but there were plenty of shows like The Incredibly Strange Film Show, which featured clips from some of the wildest kung-fu flicks out there. It wasn’t until a few years later and I had started renting VHS tapes from my local video shop that I found out that Was true! Ok, Ok, so I now know it’s not true – many martial arts films have real plots, tell real stories, with character arcs and everything… but, you see, it seems I’d spent my youth renting a myriad of Godfrey Ho’s stitched-together ninja movies and multiple badly-edited, badly-dubbed movies on tape...
When I was a kid I thought all martial arts movies were fight after fight after fight. We didn’t get many martial arts movies on TV in those days but there were plenty of shows like The Incredibly Strange Film Show, which featured clips from some of the wildest kung-fu flicks out there. It wasn’t until a few years later and I had started renting VHS tapes from my local video shop that I found out that Was true! Ok, Ok, so I now know it’s not true – many martial arts films have real plots, tell real stories, with character arcs and everything… but, you see, it seems I’d spent my youth renting a myriad of Godfrey Ho’s stitched-together ninja movies and multiple badly-edited, badly-dubbed movies on tape...
- 8/17/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Terracotta Distribution has got a sale going on this month for 10 of their kung fu titles, simply go to this link. You’ll be able to watch the Terracotta’s Classic Kung Fu Collection as well as the likes of The Masked Avengers, Five Element Ninjas and One-Armed Swordsman at over 40% off.
In addition to this, we’d like to draw attention to their wider catalogue that are available on Amazon Prime. Otherwise, you can always check out the VOD platform to be able to stream any of their back catalogue, click here.
Here’s a quick guide to the Top 5 Kung Fu films released so far in the Terracotta’s Classic Kung Fu Collection:
Hero Of Shaolin
Fearless Shaolin monks battle ninja assassins, vicious gangs, and even the Undead, in their quest to take the Golden Sutra to Tibet.
Stars Alexander Lo Rei, (Wu Tang Vs Ninja), Kim Fan,...
In addition to this, we’d like to draw attention to their wider catalogue that are available on Amazon Prime. Otherwise, you can always check out the VOD platform to be able to stream any of their back catalogue, click here.
Here’s a quick guide to the Top 5 Kung Fu films released so far in the Terracotta’s Classic Kung Fu Collection:
Hero Of Shaolin
Fearless Shaolin monks battle ninja assassins, vicious gangs, and even the Undead, in their quest to take the Golden Sutra to Tibet.
Stars Alexander Lo Rei, (Wu Tang Vs Ninja), Kim Fan,...
- 5/16/2020
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
As an avid fan of both exploitation and documentary, I could not easily find anything better to watch than a documentary about Hk cinema’s Cat III movies. Even more so, since James Mudge, a personal friend of mine and author of one of the most detailed guides in the category participates in the film, along a number of experts, like the director Calum Waddell and Sean Tierney (aka Silver Spleen), some of the actual protagonists of the films of the category, like Anthony Wong and Josie Ho, and some of their directors, like Godfrey Ho, who talk about both Cat III and their personal experiences.
The documentary starts with the history of the category, tracing it, as usually in Hk cinema, in the productions of Shaw Brothers and the influence of Run Run Shaw that allowed him to “ignore” censorship. The film “Men Behind the Sun” however, is considered...
The documentary starts with the history of the category, tracing it, as usually in Hk cinema, in the productions of Shaw Brothers and the influence of Run Run Shaw that allowed him to “ignore” censorship. The film “Men Behind the Sun” however, is considered...
- 10/25/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Stars: Cody Renee Cameron, Christine Nguyen, Cherie DeVille, Britney Amber, Rebecca Love, Kleio Valentien, Chaz Taylor, Danielle Evon Ploeger, Holly Reidenbach, Woody Almazan, James W. Evermore, Jamie Hooks, Kevin Clayton, Qu Griffin, Bryan Tai Self, Kenneth Sevier | Written by Jeff O’Brien, Robert Rowland | Directed by Thegin German, Robert Rowland
Let’s step back in time shall we? To an age when women were objects of sexual desire and carried huge weapons… Nope I’m not talking about any of Andy Sidaris’ films but rather Girls Guns and Blood – a movie that harkens back to a politically incorrect time when tits and ass were all the rage and when budgets didn’t stretch to an named stars. Though to be fair to writer/director Robert Rowland his cast includes a few familiar names, well familiar if you know your adult cinema!
Yes, when you need a cast that is happy...
Let’s step back in time shall we? To an age when women were objects of sexual desire and carried huge weapons… Nope I’m not talking about any of Andy Sidaris’ films but rather Girls Guns and Blood – a movie that harkens back to a politically incorrect time when tits and ass were all the rage and when budgets didn’t stretch to an named stars. Though to be fair to writer/director Robert Rowland his cast includes a few familiar names, well familiar if you know your adult cinema!
Yes, when you need a cast that is happy...
- 10/24/2019
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Stars: Timur Turisbekov, Danny Trejo, Doroteya Toleva, Yana Marinova | Written by Valeri Milev, Timur Turisbekov | Directed by Valeri Milev
During World War III, the American government initiates a secret project codenamed ‘Army Bacon’ in order to create super soldiers by inbreeding humans with pigs. 25 years later the hybrid Muzzles have occupied the top of the food chain, eating and farming humanity. Bounty hunter Rob Justice works for the last line of human resistance – a group of survivors hiding in a nuclear bunker deep underground – and his mission is to search and destroy Muzzle Central… and the mother.
Ok, so that’s the official synopsis for Bullets of Justice. Mine would read something a little more simpler, merely Wtf!??! Seriously. this is the Very definition of what the f*ck storytelling. There’s little rhyme or reason to waht we see on screen, the editing seemingly jumping from scene to scene,...
During World War III, the American government initiates a secret project codenamed ‘Army Bacon’ in order to create super soldiers by inbreeding humans with pigs. 25 years later the hybrid Muzzles have occupied the top of the food chain, eating and farming humanity. Bounty hunter Rob Justice works for the last line of human resistance – a group of survivors hiding in a nuclear bunker deep underground – and his mission is to search and destroy Muzzle Central… and the mother.
Ok, so that’s the official synopsis for Bullets of Justice. Mine would read something a little more simpler, merely Wtf!??! Seriously. this is the Very definition of what the f*ck storytelling. There’s little rhyme or reason to waht we see on screen, the editing seemingly jumping from scene to scene,...
- 8/24/2019
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Stars: Chai Hansen, Luciane Buchanan, Josh Thomson, Emilie Cocquerel | Directed by Craig Irvin, Gerard Johnstone
Produced by Australia’s ABC, Netflix and Tvnz, The New Legends of Monkey is inspired by the 16th Century Chinese fable Journey To The West, which has already spawned a number of films and series, including its most famous, or is that infamous(?) adaptation, the 1979-80 BBC series Monkey, which took the tale of Monkey, Tripitaka, Pigsy and Sandy and turned it into a hilarious, and Very fondly remembered, TV show that still – to this day – is held is high regard.
Especially by me.
You see, for me, Monkey was my childhood introduction into the “strange world” of foreign language TV and, more importantly, dubbed martial arts action. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Monkey I doubt I would have been quite so open to Far Eastern action as I was – an openess that led...
Produced by Australia’s ABC, Netflix and Tvnz, The New Legends of Monkey is inspired by the 16th Century Chinese fable Journey To The West, which has already spawned a number of films and series, including its most famous, or is that infamous(?) adaptation, the 1979-80 BBC series Monkey, which took the tale of Monkey, Tripitaka, Pigsy and Sandy and turned it into a hilarious, and Very fondly remembered, TV show that still – to this day – is held is high regard.
Especially by me.
You see, for me, Monkey was my childhood introduction into the “strange world” of foreign language TV and, more importantly, dubbed martial arts action. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Monkey I doubt I would have been quite so open to Far Eastern action as I was – an openess that led...
- 5/3/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Craig Lines Nov 1, 2017
Every now and then, martial arts movies go, er, a 'little leftfield', Here are some examples...
There are few feelings I enjoy as much as watching a movie that shakes me out of my complacency, wakes me up from my jaded quasi-slumber and makes me go “I’ve not seen that before!” I watch way too many films and it can take a lot to genuinely shock or surprise me, but there are few genres that manage it as often as martial arts.
Now, I appreciate there’s a lot of base level ‘weirdness’ to the genre if you’re not used to it. There’s curious dubbing, an emphasis on physicality over plotting, some eastern cultural touchpoints that baffle unfamiliar western audiences… but fans get used to all that. I’m talking about something slightly different.
To clarify, it might seem strange to new viewers when...
Every now and then, martial arts movies go, er, a 'little leftfield', Here are some examples...
There are few feelings I enjoy as much as watching a movie that shakes me out of my complacency, wakes me up from my jaded quasi-slumber and makes me go “I’ve not seen that before!” I watch way too many films and it can take a lot to genuinely shock or surprise me, but there are few genres that manage it as often as martial arts.
Now, I appreciate there’s a lot of base level ‘weirdness’ to the genre if you’re not used to it. There’s curious dubbing, an emphasis on physicality over plotting, some eastern cultural touchpoints that baffle unfamiliar western audiences… but fans get used to all that. I’m talking about something slightly different.
To clarify, it might seem strange to new viewers when...
- 10/31/2017
- Den of Geek
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